According to the release, Smith and Ellison, who were selected from hundreds of applicants, both completed a 1,500-word essay detailing how they would utilize ServiceMaster corporate objectives in their business.

The purpose of the Shane Battier Franchise Scholarship, which allows individuals interested in starting their own business an opportunity to be awarded their own commercial cleaning franchise license — a $31,900 value, is to expand the ServiceMaster Clean commercial cleaning ownership base among women and minorities throughout the United States, the release stated.

Smith said: "Franchises are the best way to start a business because you have faster start-up, people are typically already familiar with your brand and the support you receive, particularly with ServiceMaster Clean, is immeasurable. But what I find most attractive about this company, in particular, are its corporate objectives: To honor God in all we do; to excel with customers; to help people develop; and to grow profitably."

ServiceMaster Clean has committed $1.3 million over four years in direct grants and private financing to its Shane Battier Franchise Scholarship initiative, as part of its continuing pledge to diversity, business development and community outreach across the United States, the release noted.

Prior to earning the business services franchise, Ellison served overseas as a pediatric dentist in the U.S. Air Force and Smith was a business development manager for Zack Vertical Reach Media in Chicago, the release added.

Ellison said: "This is truly an extraordinary shift for me, but I am up for the challenge. And what’s most exciting is that this is going to be a family effort. My sister, Melissa, will serve as our director of operations, while my father will be in charge of sales and marketing. My mother is even in on the act, leading the customer service charge."